We shape future citizens.
We believe that teaching students about our justice system is essential. Our goal is to use mock trial to help students gain the civic understanding, self-confidence, analytical reasoning, and communications skills that are vital to serve as tomorrow’s leaders.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Virginia Law-Related Education Institute relies on the support of donors to make our educational programs possible.
We are grateful for the support from our sponsors, who help us make the annual regional and state high school mock trial competition a reality.
This hands-on, experiential learning educational program has touched the lives of thousands of students across the Commonwealth over the last two decades.
Our vision
We empower young people with a fundamental understanding of the legal system, fostering an appreciation for democracy, the rule of law, and their critical role as engaged citizens. We aim to inspire informed and responsible participation in society.
Our mission
We offer unique, real-world learning opportunities that emphasize the importance of civic participation and responsibility and that develop critical thinking, analytical, public speaking, teamwork, leadership, and other skills that help youth become college- and career-ready.
Mock Trial Advisory Council,
2026-27
Executive Committee
Kristin Walinski, Esq., Chair (Attorney and high school coach)
Ryan Asalone, Esq., Vice Chair (Attorney)
Eli Schlam, Esq., Secretary (Attorney and high school coach)
Christine Guarnieri, Treasurer (Former high school mock trial competitor and college competitor)
At-Large Board Members
Jesse Barrett, Esq. (Attorney and high school coach)
Shriya Chemudupati (Law student and former high school and collegiate mock trial competitor)
Jessica Glajch, Esq. (Attorney)
Shameka Hankins, Esq. (Attorney)
Don Martin, Esq. (Attorney, professor, and college mock trial coach)
Guy Neal, Esq. (Attorney, teacher, and high school mock trial coach)
Andrea Sommer (Law student and former high school mock trial coach)
Maureen Stinger, Esq. (Attorney and teacher)
Laura Strick, Esq., Rules Chair (Attorney)
Student Advisory Council, 2025-2026
Journi Marlow, Head Chair
Audrey Wandow, Vice Chair
Mary Grace Menuey, Outreach Coordinator
Dheethya Balaji, Mentorship Coordinator
Elizabeth Osborne, Communications Director
Alex Nehrer, Social Media Chair
Lindsay Gogia
Alex Li
Tara McCormick
Katherine (Katya) Volodin
Mock Trial Student Advisory Council
The Mock Trial Student Advisory Council gives high school students a direct voice in the development of the Mock Trial program. Its members strengthen the Virginia and Washington, DC, mock trial community, expand access to legal education, and create opportunities for students interested in law and civic leadership.
Selected annually from schools and homeschool programs across Virginia and Washington, DC, council members fulfill these responsibilities:
Serve as the program’s primary student voice and leadership body
Help recruit new teams and participants
Develop and share mock trial leadership and competition resources
Support regional training and statewide initiatives
Organize career-development programs, webinars, and other educational events
Connect students with mock trial alumni and legal professionals
Promote the accomplishments of participating students and teams
Applying to the Mock Trial Student Advisory Council
Applications to join the Mock Trial Student Advisory Council open each fall. Members are appointed for one competition year and must reapply for subsequent terms or different leadership positions. A student may not hold the same executive leadership position for more than two consecutive terms.
The Mock Trial Advisory Council will review all applications and select new members. We seek students who will contribute thoughtful ideas, follow through on assignments, collaborate well, and represent the broader mock trial community. Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Be enrolled in grades 9–12 at a public, private, or homeschool program in Virginia or Washington, DC.
Have participated in at least one regional or state mock trial competition.
Be able to attend monthly online meetings with program leadership.
Be prepared to lead or assist with statewide projects.
Submit a personal statement describing their goals and commitment to legal education.
Submit a résumé describing their mock trial experience, academic background, extracurricular activities, leadership experience, and awards. Mock trial achievement or recognition is helpful but not required.
Positions available are as follows:
Head Chair: Leads the Student Advisory Council, works with program leadership and legal professionals, helps establish annual goals, and oversees the Council’s initiatives.
Vice Chair: Supports the Head Chair, coordinates the Council’s internal planning, maintains meeting records, and helps committees remain accountable for their work.
Outreach Coordinator: Develops relationships with schools, recruits new participants and teams, and coordinates interest meetings and outreach activities.
Mentorship Coordinator: Helps connect students with alumni and legal professionals, supports career panels and mentorship programs, and pairs experienced mock trial students with newer participants.
Communications Chair: Coordinates announcements and other public-facing communications about the Council’s work.
Social Media Chair: Develops social media content that promotes mock trial opportunities, student accomplishments, and Council initiatives.
At-Large Members (4): Support the Council’s projects through outreach, resource development, event planning, speaker recruitment, program logistics, and other statewide initiatives.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Student Advisory Council will be accepted through 11:59 PM on September 18, 2026. Apply here: https://forms.gle/qUF5b6CAMAnhwbMx9.